Old Barn Self-Storage Supports Local Community

Old Barn Self-Storage sits atop a hill. In the valley below, 25,000 motorists drive by – many times getting a chuckle and something to brighten their day. The source of the chuckle is a huge sign that says “Happy.” Depending on the time of year or season the sign might say something like “Happy Cow” or Happy Graduates” or Happy Father’s Day.”

Old Barn Self-Storage is privately owned by a group of Grass Valley and Nevada City residents. For them, “happy” is their view of life. They partner with different organizations in an effort to improve their community.

This month, they partnered with Union Hill School to collect unwanted computers, monitors, printers cell phones, radios and other electronic castoffs. This collection raises between $200 to $300 each month. All that Old Barn Self-Storage has to do is publicize it.

They collect the donated material in one of their units and then call International SIMS Recycling Solutions. They pick up the donations, crush it, separate it, and give Old Barn the money. Old Barn then donated to the current non-profit organization that was helping with the e-waste drive. Union High School will use the money for something that benefits students – something like a field trip or an assembly.

Old Barn Self-Storage participates in other community minded activities. Earlier this year, they held the Happy Art Contest. Elementary aged school children in grades K-4 were invited to enter their work of art for the art contest. For each month of February, March, and April of this year, a first, second, and third place artist was selected. The first place artist received $175, the second place artist received $100, and the third prize artists received $50. Their winning classrooms received $200 for art supplies.

Old Barn Self Storage has also collected Christmas gifts for the Women of Worth program. They have been a drop off point for Toys for Tots and the Roamin Angels toy drive. They have held a car show and donated proceeds to the Roamin Angel’s organization.

They have also supported the annual Italian Festival. Nearby Penn Valley, which is in also in Nevada County, California, is becoming known as the Tuscany of Nevada County. Penn Valley has similar terrain, weather and vineyards. Old Barn Self Storage has become a major supporter of this festival.

About Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez has enjoyed a prosperous career in general contracting but has decided to complete his college degree in - of all things - sociology - and enjoys blogging about his daily observations of our "human society" and other musings about life and people. He has a particular interest around the shifting economy and how society reacts to downsizing changes, not only in the "contracting" world, but in the areas of moving/storage/rental, etc.